The oil filter is a cartridge inside a housing on the passenger side of the engine block, and it’s accessed from underneath the vehicle after removing the front splash shield.
Understanding the setup
In the 2016 Honda Pilot, which uses a 3.5-liter V6, Honda moved to a cartridge-type oil filter housed in a small plastic unit rather than a traditional metal spin-on canister. The filter is not usually visible from the top; you’ll find it by getting under the car and looking up at the front portion of the engine on the passenger side.
Where to look on the engine
With the front undertray/splash shield removed, the oil filter housing sits near the front of the engine block on the passenger side. The housing is a rigid plastic cylinder with a removable cap. Inside is the replaceable cartridge filter and an O-ring seal.
What you’ll need
Gather these tools and supplies before attempting the replacement. Having the right kit on hand keeps the procedure smooth and reduces the risk of leaks or damage.
- New oil filter cartridge and replacement O-ring (OEM or high-quality equivalent)
- Appropriate socket or tool to remove the housing cap
- Drain pan for old oil
- Vehicle jack and stands or ramps for safe undercarriage access
- Rags, gloves, and a funnel for pouring oil
- The correct engine oil type and quantity as specified in the owner's manual
Having these items ready helps ensure you can complete the oil change and filter replacement in one sitting, with clean and safe handling of hot or drained oil.
Step-by-step replacement procedure
If you prefer a concise, action-by-action guide, follow these steps. This list describes a typical cartridge-filter change for the 2016 Pilot; always defer to the vehicle’s service manual for exact torque specs and steps.
- Park on a level surface, engine cool, set parking brake, and chock the wheels.
- Raise the vehicle and securely support it on jack stands or ramps; remove the front undertray/splash shield if required.
- Place a drain pan under the oil pan and drain the engine oil if you’re doing an oil-and-filter service (optional but common).
- Locate the oil filter housing on the passenger side of the engine, near the front. Use the proper tool to loosen and remove the housing cap.
- Remove the old cartridge filter from the housing and lift out the old O-ring; inspect the housing for debris or sludge.
- Clean the housing and seal surface, then install the new O-ring and insert the new cartridge filter into the housing.
- Reassemble the housing cap, ensuring a proper seal; tighten to the recommended specification.
- Reinstall the front undertray/splash shield, then lower the vehicle.
- Refill the engine with the recommended oil amount and type; start the engine and check for leaks around the filter housing.
After completing the replacement, it’s a good practice to recheck the oil level with the dipstick and take a short test drive to confirm there are no leaks before returning the car to regular use.
Tips and cautions
To avoid common issues, keep these points in mind during your oil filter change on a 2016 Pilot:
- Always use a new O-ring with the filter housing and ensure a clean seating surface before reassembly.
- Dispose of used oil and the old filter cartridge according to local regulations.
- Refer to the owner’s manual for the exact oil capacity and viscosity requirements, as they can vary by engine and drivetrain configuration.
- If you’re uncomfortable with under-vehicle work or can’t locate the housing easily, consider professional service. The V6 arrangement can differ slightly by model year or trim.
These cautions help ensure a clean, leak-free oil change and protect the engine from improper lubrication.
Summary
For a 2016 Honda Pilot, the oil filter is not a traditional spin-on canister. It lives in a cartridge-style housing on the passenger side of the engine, accessed from beneath the vehicle after removing the front splash shield. Replacement involves removing the housing cap, extracting the old cartridge, installing a new cartridge and O-ring, and resealing the housing before refilling with fresh engine oil. Always consult the owner’s manual or a service manual for exact steps, torque specs, and oil capacity.